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List of "J" Movies

J-Men Forever (1979) PG comedy

Like Woody Allen’s What’s Up, Tiger Lily? before it, this film takes old footage 40s and 50s serials and re-dubs the dialogue. The plot involves an evil plan to infiltrate the world’s radio waves with rock’n’roll. The film generates a few belly laughs, but it gets a bit old toward the end. Starring: Philip Proctor, Peter Bergman. Directed by: Peter Bergman, Richard Patterson and Philip Proctor. C+

Jabberwocky (1977) PG comedy

This is the only truly dissatisfying film from director Terry Gilliam. His solo-directorial debut is funny in spots, but overall turns out to be a mess. Fortunately, Michael Palin plays the lead role very nicely, as a young man in the Medieval Ages who leaves home to make it big in the city. When he arrives there, he gets mixed up in things; causes a few problems with the locals, becomes a fugitive, the princess of the land falls madly in love with him. This really isn’t worth seeing except for the most dedicated Monty Python fan. Starring: Michael Palin, Max Wall, Deborah Fallender, John Le Mesurier, Anette Badland. Directed by: Terry Gilliam. C-

Jack (1996) PG-13 comedy

Robin Williams stars as a 10-year-old who ages four times the normal rate, and therefore appears to be 40. Jack, isolated from the world due to his unusual circumstances, expresses desire to attend the fifth grade with the normal kids. This isn’t a very inspirational film nor a particularly funny one, but Williams turns in a very nice and believable performance. Starring: Robin Williams, Diane Lane, Brian Kerwin, Jennifer Lopez, Bill Cosby, Fran Drescher, Adam Zolotin, Todd Bosley, Seth Smith, Mario Yedidia. Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola. B

Jackass: The Movie (2002) R comedy

Goofy star Johnny Knoxville put himself on the map from the same-titled MTV show in which he performs outrageous stunts. This movie is merely 90 minutes more of them. Some of them are actually dangerous (i.e. taunting an alligator, wild skateboarding tricks), others are disgusting (i.e. taking a dump in a hardware store toilet, eating yellow snow) and others are mostly harmless (i.e. pretending to be a senile old man, bothering golfers). This will appeal to you depending on how broke your sense of humor is. Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Chris Pontius, Steve-O, Dave England, Ryan Dunn, Jason "Wee Man" Acuna, Preston Lacy. Directed by: Jeff Tremaine. C-

Jackass: Number Two (2006) R comedy

The running with the bulls sequence at the beginning of this film was brilliant, but the remainder of the stunts are merely hit-or-miss. Mostly misses. The gross-out gags are difficult to watch--even more so than before. Similarly, this film will appeal to you based on how sophisticated you are. If you like this movie, then you have no culture. Not that it matters to you. Needless to say, I won't be eating anytime soon. Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Chis Pontius, Dave England, Ryan Dunn, Jason "Wee Man" Acuna, Preston Lacy, Ephren McGhehey, John Waters, Spike Jonze. Directed by: Jeff Tremaine. C-

Jackie Chan’s First Strike (1996) PG-13 martial arts

Yowee! Jackie Chan strikes the screen again in this worthy addition to your Chan entertainment. The plot is inconsequential, but plot isn't the essence of a Chan film; it's the breathtaking martial arts, the non-stop action and the koala underpants. Starring: Jackie Chan, Bill Tung, Jackson Lou, Chen Chun Wu, Jouri Petrov, Grishajeva Nonna. Directed by: Stanley Tong. B-

Jacknife (1989) R drama

Robert De Niro stars in this so-so comedy as an on-edge Vietnam War vet who visits and tries to help his disturbed war buddy (Ed Harris). The script is all right, but it seemed somewhat contrived. However, that hardly matters because the performances are both gripping and genuine! Kathy Baker is also excellent as Harris’s sister. Starring: Robert De Niro, Ed Harris, Kathy Baker, Charles S. Dutton, Loudon Wainwright III, Josh Pais, Tom Rack, Walter Massey, Jordan Lund. Directed by: David Jones. B

Jagged Edge (1985) R thriller

A decent thriller that takes place mainly in the courtroom. An influential newspaper manager (Jeff Bridges) is accused of murdering his wife and a chamber maid. For his defense, he elicits the services of a former prosecutor (Glenn Close), who reluctantly agrees to take the job as long as she believes he is innocent. She also falls for his seductive techniques, and they spark a love affair. The suspense scenes are well executed, but what spoils the experience is the behavior of these characters. It just doesn't ring true. Close's character in particular, supposedly a seasoned lawyer, embarks on such crass behavior--not only sleeping with her client but making slanderous comments to the press about the defense attorney (Peter Coyote). I also saw the ending coming from a mile away. Overall, though, it makes a fine watch. Starring: Glenn Close, Jeff Bridges, Peter Coyote, Robert Loggia, John Dehner, Karen Austin, Guy Boyd, Marshall Colt. Directed by: Richard Marquand. C

Jakob the Liar (1999) PG-13 comedy/drama

Robin Williams plays a man imprisoned in a ghetto by the Nazi forces during World War II. One day, he goes to the Gestapo's office and hears a piece of news on the radio. When he walks back to the ghetto, he shares this news with his friends and somehow rumor got around that he actually owns a radio. Now Jakob reduces himself to making up news stories. It's an uneven semi-comedy that provokes little emotion. Nevertheless, it's watchable and usually enjoyable. Starring: Robin Williams, Hannah Taylor Gordon, Eva Igo, Istvan Balint, Justus Von Dohnanyi, Kathleen Gati, Bob Balaban, Alan Arkin, Michel Jeter, Mark Margolis, Janos Gosztonyi, Liev Schreiber, Armin Mueller-Stahl. Directed by: Peter Kassovitz. C+

The Jazz Singer (1927) NR musical

This film is entertaining in its own right, but it's far more notable for the revolution it sparked: This is the first talking feature. This is mainly a silent film, though -- sound is only featured during the musical numbers, which are often preceded with a few snippets of spoken dialogue. The first spoken passage being a sage premonition for the industry "You ain't heard nothin' yet!" Nice film restoration causes star Al Jolson's singing voice to come through crystal clear and beautiful. The songs make fine listens, predominantly love ballads but the occasional jumping number. The elephant in the room are two songs Jolson performed in blackface. He does at least refrain from "Ebonics comedy" that I associate most with minstrel shows. He puts on blackface while reflecting on his decision to perform jazz in lieu of music from his own culture -- he was raised to be a Jewish cantor by his orthodox father. He was disowned as a teenager when he was caught performing in jazz clubs. The film's storyline is generic and uncomplicated about trying to reconnect with his family before it's too late. Starring: Al Jolson, Warner Oland, Eugenie Besserer, May McAvoy, Otto Lederer, Richard Tucker, Yoselle Rosenblatt, Bobby Gordon. Directed by: Alan Crosland. B-

Jeremiah Johnson (1972) PG western

This agreeable western starring Robert Redford is about the legendary mountain man, Jeremiah Johnson. When the man becomes tired of living in society, he goes west and live alone in the wilderness. There he encounters interesting Caucasian settlers and hostile Native Americans. This is a very interesting, but hardly sensational film that's most likely historically inaccurate. It’s great for western buffs, though. Starring: Robert Redford, Will Geer, Stefan Geirasch, Allyn Ann McLerie, Charles Tyner. Directed by: Sydney Pollack. B

Jerry Maguire (1996) R comedy

Tom Cruise plays the title character, a successful sports agent in his mid-30s who has an epiphany: That lusting after the almighty dollar is leaving him unfulfilled. He writes and distributes a manifesto that skewers the cold-hearted, morally desolate spiral of post-Reagan capitalism, wherein he implores himself and his colleagues to incorporate care and humanity into their work. If that means taking on fewer clients in order to focus on each one more personably, so be it. His booklet appears well-received at first, but he is quickly fired from the firm. He then sets out to start his own agency and asks for volunteers to join him. But he only finds one taker -- accountant Dorothy Boyd (Rene Zellweger), who not coincidentally happens to be nursing a crush on him. He also attracts only one of his clients to follow him -- Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a high maintenance football player. Extra screen time is dedicated to Dorothy's young son Ray (Jonathan Lipnicki), whose cuteness burns through the celluloid in every scene he's in. The predictable romance that burgeons between Jerry and Dorothy is altogether nicely complex, although I still get the impression it could have been developed more deeply. Nonetheless, this is a fantastically engaging and sharply written romantic comedy that features fantastic performances -- even from Cruise, who is as dedicated as ever in this role. Starring: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renee Zellweger, Kelly Preston, Jay Mohr, Jerry O’Connell, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Lipnicki, Regina King, Beau Bridges. Directed by: Cameron Crowe. A-

Jersey Girl (2004) PG-13 comedy

Writer/director Kevin Smith came into the public spotlight when he released his overly offensive (and very funny) independent comedy Clerks. His following four films have been in a similar vein. This is his sixth film, and he aimed for a mild PG-13 rating. It's about a single father (Ben Affleck) who does the best he can to raise his daughter (after his wife tragically died at birth) even though it means giving up his high-profile PR job. Some of this is charming, but I guess when Smith is not being offensive, he isn't funny. Starring: Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Raquel Castro, George Carlin, Jason Biggs, Mike Starr, Stephen Root, Matt Damon, Jason Lee, Will Smith. Directed by: Kevin Smith. C

Jesus Camp (2006) PG-13 documentary

Members of charismatic branches of Christianity are known for their outward, intensely emotional displays of faith. It's a sight to behold -- people weeping loudly during church services, gyrating, hollering, speaking in tongues. To the outsider, it comes across frightening -- particularly when such behavior is reflected into their children. But that isn't what this documentary is about. It's about the mixing of religion and politics. Becky Fischer is an affable and passionate pastor who holds children's conferences in Missouri and North Dakota. Her life's work is not just to instill a foundation of faith into children, but also introduce them to far-right politics. The film focuses on three children who attend these camps. Their home life, and what they're like at the conference. They're fascinating kids who like to do things any kid does -- except they're so preoccupied with their faith that they feel it necessary to inject it into everything they do. One kid, for example, likes to dance, but she makes certain she dances for God and not for the flesh. Another goes bowling and interrupts her game to tell a stranger about God's love. Their parents keep their kids focused on these principles, virulently shielding them from corrupting, outside influences. One mother homeschools her kids, showing them an "educational" video that argues the earth is 6,000 years old and that Global Warming is merely speculation. Where the Bible has anything to say about Global Warming is anybody's guess. Or perhaps Right Winged politics also injects itself into Christianity? My only problem with this documentary is that it focuses on a relatively rare brand of "freaky" Christian, which diverts far too much attention away from the fact that mixing religion and politics is also widespread among more "mainstream" breeds. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating watch. Directed by: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady. B

JFK (1991) R drama

Oliver Stone's infamous conspiracy theory movie about the assassination of America's 35th president is 189 minutes I spent utterly glued to the television set. Kevin Costner stars as a New Orleans district attorney who stretches his jurisdiction limits and investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding JFK's death. He tries to go after the *real* story much to the dismay of not only those whom he is questioning, but also the American public at large. You might not believe the conspiracy theory itself, but it will certainly engage your senses well enough to make you think deeply about it. This is excellent. Starring: Kevin Costner, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, Michael Rooker, Jay O. Sanders, Laurie Metcalf, Donald Sutherland, Gary Grubbs, John Candy, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ed Asner, Kevin Bacon, Brian Doyle-Murray, Sally Kirlkand, Breata Pozniak, Vincent D'Onofrio, Tomas Milian, Jim Garrison. Directed by: Oliver Stone. A

Jingle All the Way (1996) PG comedy

Arnold Schwartzenegger stars in this enjoyable comedy about a father who goes to great lengths to get his hands on the Turbo Man action figure for his kid at Christmas. He isn't the only guy out to get this doll; everyone else who was dumb enough to procrastinate until Christmas Eve is after the very same thing. Sinbad is pretty good as a slightly crazed postal worker who is Schwartzenegger's "friendly competition". It could have been more intelligent, but it's a kiddy flick that adults ought to enjoy watching with their kids. Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman, Rita Wilson, James Belushi, Robert Conrad, Martin Mull, Jake Lloyd, Laraine Newman. Directed by: Chris Columbus. B-

Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) PG comedy

A peculiar tale about an ordinary man, played by Tom Hanks, with a job and a life that stinks, who goes to the doctor to find out that he has a "brain cloud." A brain cloud is an inoperable condition that will most certainly result in death and he only has five days to live. Then he is confronted by a wealthy business owner who has an interesting proposition for him: he gets to live the life of a king being given several credit cards for his free use, but he has to jump into a volcano in return. Seeing that he only has a little while to live, Hanks accepts, and he also experiences one thing he never had in life: romance. With Meg Ryan (who plays three separate parts). Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Lloyd Bridges, Robert Stack, Abe Vigoda, Dan Hedaya, Barry McGovern, Ossie Davis, Amanda Plummer. Directed by: John Patrick Shanley. B-

John Q (2002) PG-13 drama

This film is preachy, but it does make some strong points on social issues involving health care. Denzel Washington stars as a poor factory worker struggling in a poor economy whose son falls desperately ill and is in severe need of a heart transplant. However, Washington, who thought he was fully insured, discovers that he hasn't the coverage to pay for such an operation. Having not been able to make the needed down payment through charitable donations, and the hospital sending his kid home to die, Washington gets angry. He locks down the hospital, holds a number of people ransom, and demands that his son get a heart transplant. It looked stupid, but the film is fairy entertaining. Starring: Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche, Eddie Griffin, Kimberly Elise, Shawn Hatosy, Ray Liotta, David Thornton, Ethan Suplee, Kevin Connolly, Paul Johansson, Heather Wahlquist. Directed by: Nick Cassavetes. B

Johnny English (2003) PG comedy

The always-entertaining Rowan Atkinson lights up this low-brow comedy as a dimwitted secret service agent who is out to thwart the evil plans of a French businessman (John Malkovich giving one of the worst French accents that I’ve ever heard) who plans to take over the English throne. Some of the gags are pretty good … and Atkinson is very funny. A good film for the easily amused kiddies and adults who need a silly laugh. Starring: Rowan Atkinson, John Malkovich, Natalie Imbruglia, Ben Miller, Douglas McFerran, Tim Pigott-Smith, Kevin Moore, Radha Mitchell, Trevor McDonald. Directed by: Peter Howitt. B-

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2000) NR musical

The popular stage musical from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber comes to direct-to-video. Fortunately, it keeps the ear-catching, toe-tapping tunes intact in the form of strung together music videos. It’s good for fans of the play, but plenty of expenses were spared to bring this to film. The sets are annoyingly cardboard, the cast has a tendency to overplay their parts and the directing is amateurish. Starring: Donny Osmond, Maria Freidman, Richard Attenborough, Joan Collins, Joan Osborne, Robert Torti, Christopher Biggins, Alex Jennings, Ian McNeice. Directed by: David Mallet and Steven Pimlott. C+

Joshua (2002) G drama

As long as you don't know how it's going to end (which is impossible, considering this is a Christian flick) it might have been decent. This Christian film is well intentioned, but it’s too preachy for taste. The script is third-rate, the humor is revoltingly cheesy, and the acting is mediocre. Thou shalt skip this movie. Starring: Tony Goldwyn, Kurt Fuller, Giancarlo Giannini, F. Murray Abraham, Stacy Edwards, Colleen Camp. Directed by: John Purdy. C-

Journey To the Center of the Earth (2008) PG fantasy

It didn't take me so long to remember that this was a flagship 3D film when that fad came back in the late '00s. Even though I'm watching the 2D version, I still see random things pop out. A tape measure, a yo-yo ... in one of the earliest scenes, Brendan Fraser even spits down at the camera after brushing his teeth. Not that I would have liked this film any more if it didn't include such scenes, but it indicates there was a focus on gimmickry above compelling filmmaking. Fraser plays Trevor Anderson, a college professor who continues his late brother's work studying seismic patterns around the world. His brother was a "Vernian" (someone who believes that the works of Jules Verne was not science-fiction but actual fact), and he had disappeared mysteriously more than a decade ago. When one of his old volcanic sensors that had long been dormant in Iceland mysteriously becomes activated, Anderson and his 13-year-old nephew (Josh Hutcherson) decide to fly over to investigate. This is a fantastical adventure film that at one point even includes a sequence in which its characters are spit out of a geyser. If this film was going to introduce a concept like "Vernianism," I would have preferred it at least take physics seriously. Nonetheless, this is a fun, bright movie -- something decent for the kids, and maybe the adults won't mind it either. Frasier is always fun to watch as an earnest action hero. Starring: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem, Seth Meyers. Directed by: Eric Brevig C+

Journey To the Center of Time (1967) NR sci-fi

A pick for the sci-fi film historian but hardly better than any Star Trek episode. The film consists mainly of men and (a few) women in white lab coats standing around watching a screen of stock footage and talking to one another using stilted dialog. Despite that, the film manages to develop a fair bit of tension as these scientists zip forwards and backwards in time. The main failing is the nihilistic final act. The screenwriters created what might be considered primitive Christopher Nolan, but even my forgiving imagination couldn't cut through the sci-fi-babble well enough to make heads or tails of it. Starring: Scott Brady, Anthony Eisley, Gigi Perreau, Abraham Sofaer, Austin Green, Poupee Gamin, Tracy Olsen, Andy Davis, Lyle Waggoner, Larry Evans. Directed by: David L. Hewitt. C-

Journey To the Seventh Planet (1962) NR sci-fi

It is the Year 2001, and mankind had finally achieved world peace. But more importantly, they figured out a non-rude way to say the word "Uranus." A group of international astronauts (who are nonetheless white men) embark on the first manned mission to the seventh planet. Once arrived, they find to their surprise it is strikingly Earth-like. In fact, it looks an awful lot like where one of them grew up. It isn't long before they figure out something on the planet is reacting to their thoughts. While this is a cheap sci-fi film with wooden acting, it is nonetheless an enjoyable pre-Star Trek outing. Definitely worthwhile for sci-fi film historians. Starring: John Agar, Carl Ottosen, One Sprogoe, Louis Miehe-Renard, Peter Month, Greta Thyssen. Directed by: Sidney Pink. B

Joy Ride (2001) R thriller

It features an unrealistic script, but it manages to deliver the thrills. A trio of teens play around with a CB radio … and pick on the wrong trucker. And they have to try to survive the dude’s evil wrath. You might never see semi-trucks in the same light, again, at any rate! It was masterfully directed by John Dahl. Starring: Paul Walke, Steve Zahn, Leelee, Jessica Bowman, Stuart Stone. Directed by: John Dahl. B+

Judgement at Nuremberg (1961) NR drama

‘Tis a classic drama that depicts the Nuremberg Trials, which put several German judges on trial who worked under the Nazi regime. The time it takes to view this 178 minutes film will hardly be missed! Even though much of this takes place in a courtroom, the edgy and intense cinematography as well as vibrant acting from the entire cast makes this what's among the most exciting films ever made. Spencer Tracy stars as one of the presiding judges. Burt Lancaster is particularly heartwrenching as one of the defendants. Maximilian Schell was completely vibrant as the defender. And Richard Widmark (whom I never have heard of previous to this) was particularly memorable. A highly recommended film! Starring: Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich, Maximilian Schell, Judy Garland, Montgomery Clift, Werner Klemperer, Edward Binns, William Shatner, Kenneth MacKenna, Torben Meyer, Ray Teal. Directed by: Stanley Kramer. A+

Judy (2019) PG-13 drama

There's a scene in this movie that's forever tattooed in my brain. A close-up of Rene Zellweger who portrays an aging Judy Garland walking briskly down a long corridor to a stage with a look on her face that wavers in and out of an intense resoluteness and falling off a cliff. This is a decent biopic on the whole, concentrating mainly on Garland's life toward the end, when she was a complete mess. Due to her erratic behavior, she couldn't get gigs in America, but she accepts a residency in London, where her behavior . . . surprise! . . . continues to be erratic. Starring: Renee Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon, Richard Cordery, Bella Ramsey, Royce Pierreson, Andy Nymann. Directed by: Rupert Goold. B

Jumanji (1995) PG fantasy

Marvelous special effects and an unusual plot is what makes this stand out. Young Alan Parrish finds a neat-looking board game buried underground and takes it home. He starts playing it with a girl who happened to be over and is subsequently "sucked" into the board game. Twenty-six years later, two children find the game and starts playing it. Every time someone rolls, something very dangerous and peculiar happens (killer mosquitoes, the floor turns into quicksand, etc.) An unusual film that makes effective use of Robin Williams' talent. Starring: Robin Williams, Jonathan Hyde, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, Bonnie Hunt, Bebe Neuwirth, David Alan Grier, Patricia Clarkson, Adam Hann-Byrd, Laura Bell Bundy, James Handy. Directed by: Joe Johnston. B-

Junebug (2005) R drama

A high society art-dealer (Embeth Davidtz) and newly wed visits her husband's (Alessandro Nivola) family for the first time in North Carolina. She quickly learns that he led a starkly different life when he lived with them. Her brother-in-law (Ben McKenzie) is an extreme passive-aggressive personality and his pregnant wife (Amy Adams) is over-enthusiastic. The characters, indeed, embody extreme personality types, but they are well developed. Overall, this is an engaging film though a bit transparent at times. Adams was thought to be the Oscar favorite in this film for supporting actress, but she ultimately lost out to Rachel Weisz. Starring: Amy Adams, Embeth Davidtz, Benjamin McKenzie, Alessandro Nivola, Frank Hoyt Taylor, Celia Weston, Scott Wilson. Directed by: Phil Morrison. B+

Junior (1994) PG-13 comedy

They say Hollywood doesn't come up with original ideas . . . but then it pumps out this big-budget movie about Arnold Schwarzenegger getting pregnant, and what thanks does it get in return? The punchline of jokes! But no joke: This is a reasonably entertaining film. We mostly have Schwarzenegger himself to thank for that who is strangely -- perhaps unsettlingly -- convincing in his performance as a manly man who suddenly finds himself complaining about morning sickness and nipple sensitivity. Where the movie lets me down is its lazy story-arc. It's about a couple scientists (Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito) who are on the cusp of a miracle fertility drug. There's an evil review board head (Frank Langella) who's trying to shut them down. Then there's a klutzy love interest (Emma Thompson). One thing leads to another. Preggernator. And it all works out in the end. Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, Emma Thompson, Frank Langella, Pamela Reed, Judy Collins, James Eckhouse, Aida Turturro, Mindy Seeger, Monika Schnarre, Judy Ovitz. Directed by: Ivan Reitman. C+

The Jungle Book (1994) PG adventure

A live adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s book is well made and features an excellent cast. However, some of the script seemed a bit corny and unnatural. It's a good pick for children. The animals are cute and fun to watch. Starring: Jason Scott Lee, Cary Elwes, Lena Headley, Sam Neill, John Cleese, Jason Flemyng, Stefan Kalipha, Ron Donachie, Anirudh Agrawal, Faran Tahir, Sean Naegeli. Directed by: Stephen Sommers. B

Jurassic Park (1993) PG-13 thriller

Steven Speilberg directs this exciting film adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel. When an eccentric man's dream to clone dinosaurs come to reality, he turns it into a theme park. He brings in paleontologists Sam Neil and Laura Dern in hopes they’ll give it their seal of approval. However, things don’t exactly happen the way as planned. This is an exhilarating and enjoyable film that’s ridden with wonderful dino-violence! Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, B.D. Wong, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards. Directed by: Steven Speilberg. A-

Jurassic Park III (2001) PG-13 thriller

The second sequel to the 1993 blockbuster, proves to be nothing great. Sam Neill returns to the dino-ridden island to find a lost young boy who accidentally became stranded on that island is still alive. Of course, they have difficulties remaining alive, too! The film relies too heavily on cheap thrills and it lacks the sense of adventure that made the original so wonderful. Starring: Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Tea Leoni, Alessandro Nivola, Trevor Morgan, Michael Jeter, John Diehl, Bruce A. Young, Laura Dern, Taylor Nichols, Mark Harelik, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Blake Bryan. Directed by: Joe Johnston. C+

Jury Duty (1995) PG-13 comedy

Pauly Shore stupidly takes on 12 Angry Men. Shore receives a letter in the to discover that he’s being summoned for jury duty. However, Shore doesn't think this is quite the pits; his mom and dad left for Vegas in their trailer home leaving him stranded alone with no place to go. So, he gleefully takes the jury job for the free hotel rooms and food. In order to get these things for an extended period of time, he remains undecided much to the dismay of the other jury members. The end was even worse than Shore’s acting abilities. Starring: Pauly Shore, Tia Carrere, Shelley Winters, Brian Doyle-Murray, Abe Vigoda, Stanley Tucci, Charles Napier, Andrew Dice Clay. Directed by: John Fortenberry. D+

Just Like Heaven (2005) PG-13 romantic comedy

Reese Witherspoon stars in this thin but endearing romantic comedy as a woman trapped in a coma whose ghostly manifestation visits and falls in love with the temporary tenant of her apartment (Mark Ruffalo). It’s only mildly funny and the premise has been done before, but it’s sweet and entertaining. Jon Heder turns in a notable performance as a spaced out spirit-book dealer. Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Heder, Donal Logue, Dina Waters, Ben Shenkman, Ivana Milicevic. Directed by: Mark S. Waters. B-

Just Married (2003) PG-13 romantic comedy

A routine romantic comedy finds the two leads (Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher) on the honeymoon of Hell. The script is remarkably witless, but the surprising chemistry between the two leads makes this watchable … even though neither really turn in a very good performance. It’s odd, I know, but true. Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Brittany Murphy, Christian Kane, David Moscow, Money Mazur, David Rasche, Thad Luckinbill, David Agranov. Directed by: Shawn Levy. C

Just My Luck (2006) PG-13 comedy

Lindsay Lohan stars as a high-profile event planner named Ashley who always seems to be lucky. Jake (Chris Pine) co-stars as an extraordinarily unlucky fellow. One day at a party, the two exchange a kiss, and the tables are turned. Jake enjoys his newfound luck promoting a horrible pop band, and Ashley tries to figure out who stole her luck. For some reason, the screenwriters spent the final 10 minutes trying to convince their audience that luck doesn't matter, which negated the entire premise. I groan most profusely. Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Chris Pine, Samaire Armstrong, Bree Turner, Faizon Love, Missi Pyle, Carlos Ponce. Directed by: Donald Petrie. D

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